kFort Valley, GA – The Edward Waters University men's volleyball team is championship-bound after a thrilling 3-1 semifinal victory over Central State in the 2025 Cricket SIAC Championship Tournament on Tuesday afternoon.

The Tigers entered the tournament as the No. 2 seed, boasting an 8-2 conference record (11-13 overall), while Central State, the No. 3 seed, advanced to the semis earlier in the day with a win over LeMoyne-Owen.

Despite dropping the opening set 25-23, EWU responded in dominant fashion, taking the next three sets 25-19, 27-25, and 27-25 to punch their ticket to the title match.

First-Team All-SIAC outside hitter and Elite 16 honoree Richard Hendricks came up big for the Tigers, registering a double-double with 22 kills and 10 digs. He also added two assists and an ace in a standout performance.

Freshman sensation Rojey Hutchinson of Ocho Rios, Jamaica, matched Hendricks with 22 kills, contributing eight digs and a team-high four aces in one of his best outings of the season. 

Senior setter Oneil Daley kept the offense humming, dishing out 49 assists, while also recording a kill, two digs, and an ace.

Freshman libero Jeremiah Martinez led the Tigers with 11 digs, helping neutralize Central State's attack. Omari Morris added depth on both ends with nine kills, five digs, two blocks, and two aces.

Edward Waters will now face top-seeded Fort Valley State for the 2025 SIAC Men's Volleyball Championship on Wednesday, April 16 at 3:00 p.m. inside HPE Arena on the campus of FVSU.

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